Synopsis

Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), was born Norma Jean Baker, in a charity ward in Hollywood. She became a film star and a 'poster person', with seemingly mythic status and an aura of immortal beauty and desirability, yet in reality her life was tragic in it's drug dependency, suicidal tendencies and mental breakdowns. She was in and out of hospitals and the divorce courts, with a string of failed affairs and miscarriages. Her famous lovers and husbands included Frank Sinatra, Arthur Miller and John F. Kennedy himself. What was it like to be her? And how did her life spiral out of control? What can we learn about her from the people closest to her?

This play explores her life as seen from many viewpoints; her makeup man, her husband, her director, her acting coach, her psychiatrist and doctor. In the final scenes we imagine what her last night alive may have been like, and speculate on why she died. The play has a large cast, although many of the characters are cameo roles. The part of Marilyn must be played by a competant actress as the role is demanding throughout. This is especially so in Act 2 Scene 3, where for 15-20 mins, she is alone on stage in the enactment of her last night alive.

Marilyn continues to fascinate, and she exerts a curious power over us. Even today, we all still 'love, Marilyn'.

With the current renewed interest in the iconic Marilyn, this dramatic new play will provide a challenge for your cast and crew, and will also provide your audiences with an insight into the life and loves of one of the 20th Century's most alluring legends.

Characters